Declan Rice receives a warm welcome on his West Ham return

11/01/2023 Soccer

Declan Rice receives a standing ovation from West Ham fans as he comes on as a sub for Arsenal on his return to London Stadium… but is then booed every time he touches the ball!

  • Declan Rice was given a warm welcome on his return to the London Stadium
  • It was Rice’s first appearance back at West Ham since moving to Arsenal
  • CARABAO CUP LIVE: Follow Mail Sport’s live blog for West Ham vs Arsenal here

Declan Rice was given a warm reception by West Ham supporters on his return to the London Stadium on Wednesday, as he faced his former club for the first time since making his £105million summer move to Arsenal.

The Gunners midfielder was named on the bench for Arsenal’s Carabao Cup trip across the capital on Wednesday and had been given a round of applause by the Hammers faithful as he warmed up during the first half.

But with Arsenal trailing the fourth-round tie following Ben White’s own goal and Mohammed Kudus’ brilliantly-taken goal, Mikel Arteta opted to throw on Rice to shore up his midfield.

His inclusion saw the home support rise to their feet, applauding their former captain who had guided them to Europa Conference League glory earlier that year, ending the club’s trophy drought.

The England international replaced Jorginho, and while he received a good reception initially, Rice was then booed by the West Ham fans every time he touched the ball.

Declan Rice was given a standing ovation on his return to the London Stadium on Wednesday

Rice (right) started the Carabao Cup clash on the bench for the Gunners in east London

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Rice’s introduction didn’t seem to have much of impact to begin with, with West Ham extending their lead to 3-0 just minutes after he entered the pitch. 

On the hour mark, Jarrod Bowen extended the Hammers’ lead to three to put David Moyes’ side in complete control.

Rice, 24, moved across London for a club-record £105million in the summer. 

Rice, who had been at the Hammers since the age of 14, captained the club to their first major trophy for 43 years in June in the Europa Conference League final, the last of his 245 games there.

Ahead of the clash, former manager Moyes implored Hammers fans to welcome their ex-skipper with ‘open arms’.

‘You’ve got to remember this is the man who lifted this club’s first European trophy in more than 50 years,’ He said.

‘He should be welcomed back with open arms. We’re all looking forward to seeing him again.

Rice (right) was given a round of applause by the Hammers faithful as he warmed up

Rice’s introduction didn’t make the desired impact, with Arsenal conceding not long after

‘He was a brilliant member of the team. He led the team brilliantly well. He conducted himself impeccably as a West Ham captain and as a player.

‘The most important thing was that he gave 100 per cent in every game, even though we sort of knew he probably wasn’t going to stay at West Ham. So all credit to him. He conducted himself brilliantly well and for that alone he deserves to be cheered.’

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